Country Reports

Morocco Country Report

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Overview

INTRODUCTION

The
majority of trips to Morocco (population 34 million) take place without major
incident. However, individuals planning to visit Morocco are advised to consider
extant security threats, which arise from both
the country's domestic politics and regional geopolitical environment prior to
travel.

TERRORISM

The country
faces an elevated threat of terrorism. While no attacks have been perpetrated
since 2011, extremist groups continue to operate clandestinely in the country. In
the summer of 2014, Moroccan authorities increased the threat level due to the
number of Moroccan nationals that had left to join the Islamic State (IS). As
of mid-2017, around 1600 Moroccans had reportedly traveled to Iraq and Syria to
fight for IS and there are fears that they could return to Morocco to carry out
attacks following IS's major territorial losses in Iraq and Syria.

Despite the
presence of several terrorist groups - specifically IS cells and Al-Qa'ida in
the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) - Morocco is relatively safe compared to its
neighbors as national security has been a priority for the monarchy; in recent
years, the authorities have broken up several terrorist cells suspected of
planning attacks. Moroccan authorities have also tightened border controls,
particularly at airports and land border crossings.

REGIONS TO AVOID

Travel to
the vast Western Sahara region (266,000 km²; population 520,000), situated
between Morocco and Mauritania, is ill-advised. Thousands of unexploded
landmines are present throughout the region, which is claimed by both Morocco
and Mauritania. The Polisario Front - a rebel group composed mostly of Sahrawi
tribes that oppose Moroccan control over the Western Sahara - is present in the
region. Pro-independence protests in Western Sahara are common, and are often
violently dispersed by Moroccan security forces.

The entire
Moroccan-Algerian land border is closed and crossing is forbidden.

SOCIAL UNREST

Popular
protest movements of significant scale occur on a regular basis. Major
demonstrations generally occur in urban areas. Though most protests take place
peacefully, clashes between security forces and demonstrators cannot be ruled
out. By law, all demonstrations require a government permit from the local
police. However, spontaneous unauthorized demonstrations, which have greater
potential for violence, can occur frequently: for example on university
campuses or in city centers.

Protests
have become particularly common in the Rif region since October 2016, notably
in its capital Al-Hoceima, and regularly lead to clashes between protesters and
security forces as well as arrests. These protests are organized by the
grassroots "Popular Movement," which demands economic development to
address unemployment. Sympathy demonstrations are also held in cities outside
the Rif region, including Rabat and Casablanca. In the second half of 2017, authorities
have cracked down on these protests and arrested scores of demonstrators,
including the movement's leader Nasser Zefzafi, leading to increased tensions.
These protests are likely to continue until demands are met.

It is
advised to keep a safe distance from any gathering.

On October
7, 2016, legislative elections took place amid high tensions. However, the
elections took place without significant eruptions of violence and resulted in
the ruling Islamic Justice and Development Party (PJD) remaining in power. The
next legislative elections are expected to be held in 2021.

CRIME

Petty crime
is common in high-traffic and high-density regions, such as the cities of
Marrakesh, Casablanca, Tangier, Fes, and Rabat. Typical crimes include pickpocketing,
bag snatching, and drive-by motorcycle theft of visible jewelry and handbags. Burglaries
are relatively rare in affluent neighborhoods, but fairly common in low-income
areas.

Incidents
of violent crime occasionally occur. There have been incidents involving the
use of knives against tourists in street thefts in the major cities and along
beaches. Cases of harassment against women have also been reported.

TRANSPORTATION

Traffic
accidents are a major concern. Morocco has a record of poor road safety, partly
due to local driving habits (e.g. poor-quality vehicles, high speed driving,
disobeying driving laws, etc.). Poor street lighting and harsh weather
conditions also contribute to the high rate of accidents.

"Petits
taxis" - smaller taxis that are commonly found in most cities - hold up to
three passengers. Most such taxis are metered. Some petits taxis will pick up
additional passengers traveling the same route, at which point the fare will be
divided. Each town features its own particular color for petits taxis; for
example, they are red in Casablanca and blue in Rabat. Petits taxis are generally
recommended for use rather than public transportation within cities. "Grands
taxis" are usually white Mercedes cars that use fixed urban or interurban
routes. They can be crowded and uncomfortable. These are generally not
recommended for use by visitors except in rural areas where there are no other
transportation options.

Buses may
be used to travel between certain cities. Comfort and safety may vary according
to the chosen company.

Train
networks are poorly maintained and delays are common.

Moroccan
international airports adhere to international air safety standards. Security
personnel are present and the government has taken steps to improve airport
security, especially since the terrorist attacks in Paris of November 2015.

NATURAL RISKS

Morocco is
situated in an active seismic region; an earthquake struck near Al-Hoceima in
February 2004 (northeast), leaving 300 people dead. In July 2017, two more
earthquakes struck Al-Hoceima (magnitude 4.0) and Saidia (magnitude 4.9),
leaving minor damage.

Furthermore,
significant flooding in the High Atlas valley can also take place during the
rainy season (November to March). Torrential rains may sporadically damage
roads and result in landslides. Localized flooding is generally due to poor
water discharge systems.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Telecommunications
networks are good in major cities, with available internet access and developed
4G networks. However, access to telecommunications networks is limited in rural
areas.

OTHER

Travelers
should respect local traditions and customs, especially those linked to Islam.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan (from mid-May to mid-June
in 2018) and avoid public displays of affection (particularly near religious
places). Entering mosques or other Muslim religious sites is prohibited for
non-Muslims, except for designated tourist sites.

More generally,
avoid drawing attention to yourself (dress modestly, do not speak of
political/religious topics, do not criticize the royal family, etc.). Drinking
alcohol in public is allowed only in licensed restaurants and bars.

Homosexuality
is illegal in Morocco. Sexual relations outside marriage and prostitution are prohibited
by law.

HEALTH

Health
services are usually of acceptable quality in large cities but are more limited
in rural areas. All travelers are advised to take out comprehensive travel and
medical insurance prior to departure.

There is a
risk of leishmaniasis due to the presence of sandflies in both rural and urban
areas. To avoid getting bitten by sandflies and contracting the disease, wear
clothes that cover your skin. Leishmaniasis has two distinct forms: the
cutaneous form that causes skin sores and visceral leishmaniasis that affects
the body's internal organs.

To avoid
contracting traveler's diarrhea or other digestive issues - common ailments for
visitors to the country - wash hands regularly, drink only bottled or purified
water, and avoid eating raw or undercooked foods and any foods that cannot be
disinfected (berries, ice cream, etc.).

The risk of
bilharziosis exists in the Anti-Atlas and High-Atlas mountain ranges, coastal
areas, oases, and irrigated regions. Due to the risk of this and other
parasitic infections, travelers are advised to avoid bathing, drinking, and
washing clothes in in bodies of fresh water (lakes, rivers), and should not
walk barefoot outdoors.

Rates of
HIV/AIDS, although lower relative to other African countries, are rapidly
increasing, particularly in large cities, areas popular with tourists, and the
city of Agadir.

According
to health authorities, there are also more than 300 cases of animal rabies
reported per year, resulting in about 20 human fatalities. The main line of
defense against rabies is to avoid contact with street dogs and other
potentially infected mammals. If you are scratched or bitten, seek medical
attention as soon as possible.

Climate

The climate in Morocco varies by elevation and by region, with Mediterranean conditions in the north, more temperate conditions in the west, and arid conditions in the south.

The climate along the coast is temperate; between May and October the region experiences pleasant temperatures and sunny days. Winters are cooler but still sunny. The ocean remains cool throughout the year on the Atlantic coast. The Sirocco and Chergui, hot and dry winds from the Sahara, sometimes sweep through the country and significantly raise temperatures, particularly inland. In the mountainous regions conditions are cold and damp during the winter months with snow falling in the Atlas Mountains.